Friday, 23 September 2016

This October 6th, or 8th for those of us in the UK, will officially mark one year since the release of Carry On by Rainbow Rowell. As you may or may not know, it's one of my fave books ever. (I know, I talk about it a lot, but it is the eight wonder of the world.) So to celebrate this special day in young Carry On's published life, I've decided to reread the book throughout the month! From October 1st I'll be using the hashtag #carryonreadalong whilst I delve back into the world of Simon and Baz once again, sharing some of my favourite quotes and moments. If you fancy rereading the book, want to read it for the first time, or you simply want to share some of your own fave moments, feel free to join in with the hashtag - I'd love to see what you adore most about Carry On!

Also, if you haven't heard already, RAINBOW ROWELL IS TOURING IN THE UK WITH LEIGH BARDUGO, THIS IS NOT A DRILL. At the end of October, both of these fabulous ladies will stop off at four places in the UK to chat about their awesome books. To check out dates and details, be sure to visit the website: http://worldscollidetour.com/

In
every generation on the island of Fennbirn, a set of triplets is born:
three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessor of a
coveted magic. Mirabella is a fierce elemental, able to spark hungry
flames or vicious storms at the snap of her fingers. Katharine is a
poisoner, one who can ingest the deadliest poisons without so much as a
stomachache. Arsinoe, a naturalist, is said to have the ability to bloom
the reddest rose and control the fiercest of lions.

But becoming
the Queen Crowned isn't solely a matter of royal birth. Each sister has
to fight for it. And it's not just a game of win or lose . . . it's
life or death. The night the sisters turn sixteen, the battle begins.

The last queen standing gets the crown.

My Thoughts:

Three Dark Crowns is set in a
world in which triplets are separated at the age of six and trained
to be queens until they are sixteen. After that, the sisters then
have a certain amount of time to try and, well, kill the others. The
last remaining sister gets the crown and is allowed to rule until the
next set of triplet queens are born. Each queen has one of three
abilities that are common across the island; elemental, poisoner, and
naturalist. Whichever sister wins the crown strengthens those with
that specific ability during her rule. Since the poisoner queen has
won the crown for several generations, poisoners throughout the
island are stronger than ever.

The poisoner queen fighting for the
crown this time is Katherine, but she is nowhere near as strong as
those who have ruled before her, and the family training her are
trying their best to hide it. The elemental queen is Mirabella,
widely known by everyone as the strongest of the three sisters and
the most likely to win. She is the strongest elemental in a long
time, and their best chance of regaining the crown. The third and
final queen is the naturalist, Arsinoe. So far she has not shown any
of her ability and her sisters are aware that she is the weakest.
Arsinoe's best friend Jules, however, is an exceptionally strong
naturalist and is doing her best to help her friend find her ability.

Before I get into the plot of this
story, let's talk about the three sisters in the heart of it and the
people surrounding them. The first thing that made this book stand
out to me was how focused it is on strong women. I found it
refreshing that women were the ones holding power over the island.
There are male characters in the story, but the intriguing ladies are
definitely the main event. The sisters were all interesting in their
own way. I liked Mirabella's attitude and her feelings over the
situations she was being forced into as a queen. Although, there was
a scene halfway through the book that made me question my opinion on
her a little, along with another character who I haven't quite
forgiven enough yet. Katherine was the queen I had the most sympathy
for because as a poisoner, she faced a lot of pressure to do well,
and was put through a lot of harsh training. My fave of the sisters,
though, was Arsinoe. She was seen as the weakest when it came to
abilities but she was strong in other ways. I adored the fierce
friendship between her and Jules. Despite not being one of the three
sisters, Jules was also a favourite character of mine. Although I
enjoyed following all of the sisters, it was Arsinoe and Jules'
journey that I was hooked on the most.

The plot was well paced and I enjoyed
the time that was spent getting to know the characters. There are so
many complex characters throughout this book, some of whom I feel
we've only just scratched the surface of. The last quarter of the
story was exciting and tense and I could not put it down for those
final few chapters! There was also fantastic world-building that told
enough to understand what was happening but definitely left the story
open enough for questions. Oh boy, do I have a lot of questions about
this island and what the bigger picture is. Also, the ending was
incredible. Plot twists were thrown around all over the place before
the big one right at the very end. I honestly just stared at the page
open mouthed thinking I NEED THE NEXT BOOK IMMEDIATLEY. There are so
many things I'm looking forward to in the next book after that
ending, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for these
characters. The world within Three Dark Crowns is utterly
fascinating and it's one I'm eager to return to.

Over here in the UK, there are three gorgeous covers to collect, one for each queen! My personal favourite is the poisoner cover because snakes are my thing. Which one is your fave??

Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, a new play by Jack Thorne, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. The play will receive its world premiere in London’s West End on July 30, 2016.

It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children.

While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.

My Thoughts: WARNING: There will be spoilers because, let's face it, I literally can't discuss this script without discussing EVERYTHING.

Where do I even start? First of all, let me make it clear that Harry Potter is my LIFE. I can say with confidence that I wouldn’t be the person I am today without this series. So you can safely assume that I lost all chill when it was revealed that the script of the play would be published for everyone to read. You see, the announcement of the play didn’t exactly leave me jumping for joy because I knew I wouldn’t be able to afford to see it (like, ever, because travelling to and staying in London is an eeeek for me). This was a continuation of Harry Potter and I WOULDN’T BE ABLE TO WITNESS IS. So the announcement of the script book made me want to cry many happy tears.

So let’s discuss this script, shall we? I went into it fully understanding that this wasn’t going to be like a typical Harry Potter story. Obviously, it’s a play, so it’s written with the intent to be viewed, not read. I also figured that the characters may seem a little off at times with them not being written solely by our actual Queen, J.K. Rowling. Going in without unrealistically high expectations was the right decision for me because I ended up completely enjoying this script. I saw lots of different and sometimes harshly critical opinions from others when I started reading it with regards to plot holes and things being a little messed up sometimes, so I figured it was going to be quite a wild plot. What I decided to do when reading it was to not take it too seriously. Yes, there were plot holes, yes there were things that really didn’t add up, especially when compared to the original books, but I tried pushing all of that aside and just had fun catching up with these characters and meeting some amazing new ones.

The script begins exactly where Deathly Hallows left off, nineteen years after Harry defeated Lord Voldermort. Whilst he's walking his son Albus to the Hogwarts Express, we get part of the conversation between them from the final book. I liked that the script kicked things off from that part! When Albus gets on the train, he ends up meeting Scorpius Malfoy and decides to sit with him for the journey. When both of the boys are sorted into Slytherin, they become fast friends, encouraged by the fact that they are outcast by their classmates. Albus is laughed at for being the Potter who ended up in Slytherin, and Scorpius is subject to cruel rumours about him actually being the son of Voldermort. One of the best things about this script was the bond that formed between Albus and Scorpius. The son of Harry Potter and the son of Draco Malfoy both being Slytherin and becoming best friends? That was pretty much everything I could have wanted.

Along with getting to know this future generation of characters, let's talk about the originals. The Harry, Ron, and Hermione in Cursed Child are different but still the same, if that makes sense? They're older and have important jobs to be doing, but their dialogue and the friendship is just as brilliant as it always was. I'm thrilled that Hermione is Minister for Magic! Her and Ron's relationship as adults is still adorable, and their characters were great throughout the script. The plot focuses mostly on Harry's relationship with Albus. Things are tense between them because of the pressure on Albus, and I loved how the story dealt with that. Although I will admit that Harry's way of dealing with things angered me at times. (TELLING YOUR SON YOU WISH HE'D NEVER BE BORN ISN'T HOW YOU DO PARENTING, HARRY.)

I need to talk about Draco Malfoy. I AM SO HAPPY WITH HOW THIS SCRIPT PORTRAYED HIM. I particularly loved the scenes between him and Harry during which they got a proper chance to talk instead of butt heads. We finally get to learn a little about how Draco was feeling throughout the original story when he admits to Harry that he envied his friendship with Ron and Hermione. I also loved how he reacted to Scorpius being best friends with Albus, in a complete contrast to how Harry dealt with it. Draco scolding Harry for keeping them apart was EVERYTHING.

While I'm talking about the friendship between Albus and Scorpius, I can't really ignore that there has been some, um, drama with regards to how they appeared to seem a little more than just friends at times. I'm not going to go off on a rant because I've already spoken about it in my discussion video, and there have been countless articles about it since the script was published, but I will say that in my own opinion it did feel like it was, well, baiting slightly. But aside from that, I absolutely adored the scenes between them. Albus was daring and more reckless whilst Scorpius was wary and logical. His reactions to everything were hilarious and I could easily list my favourite quotes from him, but we'd be here all day. I never expected that Scorpius would end up being my favourite character, but he was by far the best thing this script had to offer.

The plot of the script itself was a little wild. A secret child of Voldermort and Bellatrix going back through time to save her father? It definitely seemed a little fan-fiction-y but we need to remember that this is a play and it's purpose is to entertain and shock those watching it, which I'm pretty sure that plot would have done! The ending of Part One was incredible. Poor Scorpius returning to the future to find the whole world different and Umbridge as Hogwarts' headmaster, it was genius. Surprisingly, I really enjoyed the time-travel plot. Going back through time was a great way to catch up with characters no longer with us (yes, I’m talking about Snape), and it was also important for the moving on of the characters, for example when Harry and Albus had to be at Godric's Hollow on the night James and Lily were murdered. That aspect of the story allowed for some touching scenes.

I could be here all day chatting about this script and what I loved about it. I fully enjoyed the chance to immerse myself in the Wizarding World once more, catching up with old favourites and meeting some new ones. I had a few issues here and there, but they didn't ruin my overall reading experience. What I will say is that I found this script to be quite safe. There was nothing ground-breaking or extraordinary about it, if I'm being truly honest. Of course there's nothing wrong with that, but I just felt like if anything had the opportunity to break a few boundaries, it was this script. However I'm grateful that we were given a continuation of Harry Potter, and if I could get to London and see the play, I wouldn't hesitate to do so.

Sunday, 11 September 2016

Today is the final stop on the blog tour for Super Awkward, the hilarious new novel by Beth Garrod! I'm please to share with you all this Q&A with the lady herself.

1. Hi Beth, welcome to The Queen of Teen Fiction! Can you tell us a little bit about your novel, Super Awkward?
Of
course! Thanks for asking me. Ok, Super Awkward. It’s about a fifteen
year old girl, called Bella Fisher (Fishy Balls, to her ex) and her
quest to have just one day pass by without doing something so mortifying
she Googles, ‘how much food would I need to buy to officially become a
hermit’. It’s a book that’s about friendships, boys – specifically the
hottest boy in the world, NO BIG DEAL – and worrying that everyone else
has it all figured out. Oh, and there are a lot of crisps in it. And
Dairy Milk with Daim.

2. What was it that inspired you to write the story?
I
guess I wasn’t inspired as such, it was just getting the chance to
write similar sort of stuff as a job (AKA THE DREAM JOB) when I started
off at the BBC in Science, and realised I could swap writing about
planets, for popstars and periods. Sometimes even popstars having
periods. And once I started, I fell in love, and as my job changed it
was the thing I carried on doing as a hobby. I have also spoken to some
many young people who feel as if they’re the only ones who feel like
they don’t fit in, or are worrying about weird stuff – so if just one
person feels a bit happier at the end of a day, or realises that, like Bella, it’s totally normal to not have stuff
figured out, I will die happy (ARGH, I’M PROBABLY NOT MEANT TO WRITE
ABOUT DEATH WHEN TALKING ABOUT A BOOK ABOUT SNOGGING, I’M REALLY SORRY).

3. Tell us about your main character, Bella! What do you think readers will love about her?
Bella.
Hmmm. Well, what I hope readers will love about her, is that she’s
constantly trying to get stuff right, which only makes her get it all
more wrong. And, in life, I know I much prefer people with good
intentions that those with good life skills. I also hope they
also love her dog, as she was based on my very own dog when I was a
teenager (RIP Mumbles) (ARRRRGHHHHH, I’M TALKING ABOUT DEATH AGAIN).

4. What was the most challenging part of the writing process for you?
Not writing about death all the time cos I’m clearly obsessed with it.
NO. Obvs that was a joke.
I’m
really disorganised, and don’t plan anything, so for me the hardest
parts were trying to make things happen in the right place.
I also cringe at writing kissing stuff (lucky Bella isn’t exactly a snogging lothario, or I’d
be in trouble), and I don’t enjoy the bits where stuff isn’t working
out. SPOILER – THINGS DON’T ALWAYS WORK OUT. (But mainly they do). (But
sometimes they don’t).

5. Do you have a favourite writing place?
No
– I’m so lazy, that wherever I’m sitting down is my favourite place.
And you mainly have to be sitting down to write, as it’s a real trip
hazard if you’re trying to walk and type on a laptop. Although, it is
extra lovely to be able to see nice things out of the window, and one
weekend by the sea in a little village in Cornwall was probably
my absolute favourite. Don’t know how much writing I got done though, as
I was too busy trying to look intelligent, and literary, while gazing
out of the window.

6. What made you want to write for a YA audience?
Guess
that comes back to question two. Because it’s the audience that I think
is funniest, and most interesting. And YA books are my favourite.
You’ve got to write something that you’d want to read, as you’re going
to read it more than anything else in your whole life (other than
adverts on the tube).

7. What were your own favourite books to read as a teenager?
Anything
by Judy Blume. Anything with a horse in it. If Judy Blume had written
about horses falling in love, I would have been in heaven. I also got
really into my parents’ murder mystery books (BACK ON THE DEATH THING
AGAIN). And Diana Wynne Jones was incredible. I think variety is an
amazing thing.

8. Finally, what have been your own super awkward moments?
How long have you got?
I’m
also really happy you haven’t added ‘as a teenager’ as I’m still
racking them up now. Obvs I’m going to pretend the ones in the book are
totally fictional, and I definitely didn’t text a boy a liked with a
message meant for my friend, describing said boy as ‘world’s fittest
man’. (If he’s reading this now, I would like to claim in my defence,
that it was just extra early research for my book, not actually a
mortifying mistake). A couple of weeks ago I stayed in a posh hotel –
after a mini-camping trip. While one of the staff was giving me
side-eye, I tried to wiggle something out of my suitcase, but accidently
flicked a slug on the wall. It must have been wanting to swap campsite
life, for a turndown service. Or there’s the time I knocked myself out
walking into a wall (I got two weeks off school – actually quite a
result). Or had someone (an actual stranger) on a packed tube point out
I’d got my top on inside out. Or the time I accidentally threw three
tampons out of my bag and into the lap of an old man. The list is too
endless. Which is why it’s never fun taking life too seriously. As
you’re only ever a second away from choking on a Pringle.

Huge thank you to Beth for the awesome answers! Super Awkward is available to buy now, and you can read my thoughts here. If you've missed any of the stops of the tour, but sure to check out the blogs that have taken part!

Sunday, 4 September 2016

I, Bella Fisher, am absolutely WINNING at FAILING at life.
1. I once got my tongue stuck to a box of Calippos in a supermarket.
2. I accidentally called my geography teacher Mum. Twice. He wasn't impressed.
3. I'm a geek. And not in a geek-chic kind of way, but in a secretly-caring-about-failing-maths-and-science way.
4. I always fail maths and science.

So it figures that when I meet the FITTEST BOY IN THE WORLD, Zac, I'm doing solo star jumps. While dressed as a cereal box.
(NOTE TO SELF, fancy dress = HE-WILL-NEVER-EVER-FANCY-ME dress.)

Now I've got to somehow persuade Zac to come to prom with me while avoiding my evil ex and dealing with a secret so mega-awks I want to Ctrl-Z my brain... What could go wrong?
Oh yeah, that's right. Absolutely everything.

My Thoughts:

Super Awkward starts with fifteen-year-old Bella going on a holiday to Wales with her mum and older sister Jo. Whilst she’s there (having the Worst™ time ever) she meets Zac. When he says that he is seventeen, Bella tells a little white lie about her own age. As Zac and her lies catch up with her after she’s back at home, she tries to navigate the mess that is her life.

This book made me feel sixteen again and it spoke to my own super awkward heart. Everyone will be able to relate in some way to at least one of the teen dramas that occur in Bella’s journey through Year 10. It’s been a while since I’ve read a story that so accurately depicts the life of a fifteen-year-old in a typical British high school. Everything from the dialogue and the characters to the wild situations they find themselves in is funny, heart-warming, and believable.

Bella herself is a hilarious character and her awkwardness kept me entertained throughout the book. I also loved her friendship with Rachel and Tegan. The three of them, though they do have their rough patches, provide some great moments and even when their friendship is tested, they’re always there to support each other in the end. Her relationship with her sister was also up and down but I loved their bond and the way the two of them worked through their problems together in the final few chapters. Also, Bella’s mum is brilliant. As cringey as it must have been for Bella, I completely loved her hippy ways.

Romance drama comes in several shapes throughout this book, mostly in the form of Zac and Luke. Whilst Bella is coming to terms that her relationship with Zac isn’t the love story she hoped for, her ex-boyfriend Luke is causing her even more trouble. Luke isn’t a likeable character and I spent most of the book rooting for Bella to get her own back on him in the best possible way. Also, whilst we’re on the topic of romance, can I just say how pleased I was that there was no tension-filled love triangle in this book? Even though there is more than one love interest, the absence of Bella being torn over having to choose between two boys made Super Awkward a way more realistic and relatable read.

This is a wonderfully current story with plenty of pop culture references to giggle at. Though this focuses on young teens in the highly drama filled world that is high school, the humour can appeal to a wide range of ages. It’s that timeless type of funny that even when older, you can remember your own life at that age and laugh. If you’re looking for a cute UKYA read with loveable characters, then Super Awkward is the perfect choice.

The tour for Super Awkward starts tomorrow, so make sure to check out the all the awesome blogs taking part, and drop by here on the 11th for an interview with Beth!